The Mayday Games Blog

I'm not your typical nerd. That's not to say i haven't always been into gaming, I've just always been into a lot of things. Growing up I played sports. Baseball was my favorite but I played everything from soccer to wrestling. But I couldn't wait to get home to jump on my NES for a game of Zelda or a couple laps of Excite Bike. I spent countless days on the lake fishing and knee boarding with my dad, and countless nights building models and playing Clue with my grandpa. In high school I was in marching band but also played in multiple rock bands. Jazz band in the morning and football practice after school. Meanwhile trying to squeeze in time for a hand of Magic, Warhammer 40k and, a 10 month campaign of D&D. Like I said, not your typical nerd.

Nowadays, I find myself trying to fill my time with things that exercise my brain more than anything. Thats what led me to this crazy obsession with board games. My board game history started like most, playing Monopoly and Life with the family on Friday nights while TGIF played in the background. When I got older I fell in love with miniatures games and role playing. When I got to college, I was living on my own and had less and less time for long campaigns and large scale miniatures games. I eventually stopped playing. A couple years ago a friend came over with a stack of "entry level" board games. He brought games like Munchkin and Smash Up. From that point on I was hooked. These games gave me the nostalgic table top feelings in way less time. I spent tons of time scanning BGG looking for new games to find and play, adding more choice and strategy. Now my shelves are stuffed with games.

My game collection is close to 100 games now, filled with everything from Munchkin to Myth. My favorite style games lately have been deck builders like Dominion and Star Realms. Also, story telling games like Mice and Mystics and Time Stories. I really enjoy all kinds of games, especially the ones I get to play. My absolute favorite game to play right now is Rum an Bones by Cool Mini or Not. Its a great miniatures game with 2 pirate ships battling it out for the treasure of Davey Jones. The game is beautiful to say the least, all the components are top notch and the game drips with theme. I love that its the perfect mix of "beer and pretzels" style while still having plenty of choice and strategy. I also think its one of the best 2 player games I have ever played.

By trade I'm a union welder and steamfitter here in San Jose, California, the heart of the Silicon Valley. Im a father to 2 gorgeous daughters and a husband to my stunning wife . For 4 years now I have been blogging part time. During the winter, I write ski and Tahoe related content for multiple outlets. I have also written music and festival reviews for an online and print magazine, Stubble Musiczine. If Im not working or playing board games Im out on the road training for my next half marathon. Fitness is very important to me. Im also a huge Disnerd, my family and I are obsessed with all things Disney. In fact, we take a trip to Disneyland about once a month to spend time with our social club, House of Mouse SC.

Im very excited to start this new chapter of my life writing for Mayday Games. Make sure to check back weekly for my game reviews, convention round ups, and industry commentary. Also, you can follow me on Instagram @theboardgamehipster where I post photos of all my board gaming antics.

Whats your favorite board game at the moment? Tell me in the comments below.